He is Tufts University professor of practice Charles Rabie, who was previously a so-called "Electronaut"--one of several hundred lessees of the BMW ActiveE, a BMW 1-Series two-door sedan converted to battery-electric power.

Rabie had driven his ActiveE for the last two years, and is an ardent advocate of the advantages and benefits of electric vehicles.

Another early customer who will receive her car in the next few days is Ashlan Gorse Cousteau, a Los Angeles-based former E! Entertainment correspondent who is also married to renowned documentary filmmaker and environmentalist Philippe Cousteau, grandson of famed conservationist Jacques Cousteau.